Swarm of poisonous snakes

Poisonous Snakes, Nest of

Medium swarm of Tiny beasts, unaligned

2
Challenge Rating
450 XP

In the depths of treacherous jungles, dank swamps, or forgotten ruins, the Swarm of Poisonous Snakes emerges as a slithering and deadly entity. Composed of numerous venomous serpents moving in unison, the Swarm embodies the collective force, venomous bite, and unsettling nature of a multitude of deadly reptiles.

The Swarm of Poisonous Snakes appears as a seething mass of writhing serpents, their scales glistening with vibrant colors and their fangs dripping with venom. Individually, each snake is a lethal predator, but when united as a swarm, their combined presence creates a chilling and foreboding sight.

These swarms are often found in habitats teeming with reptiles, such as dense jungles, murky swamps, or ancient snake-infested temples. They are drawn to locations where prey is plentiful or where they can find refuge and safety in numbers. Swarms of Poisonous Snakes are most active during warmer seasons or when disturbed, ready to strike at any intruders.

The Swarm of Poisonous Snakes attacks by overwhelming its prey through sheer numbers and the venomous bites of its constituent snakes. The swarm engulfs its target, covering them in a writhing carpet of venomous serpents, each delivering deadly strikes with their potent venom. While individually small, the combined force of the swarm can cause excruciating pain, paralysis, or even death.

Due to their collective nature, Swarms of Poisonous Snakes are resistant to many forms of conventional weaponry and can squeeze through small gaps and openings. Spells or abilities that target specific individuals or larger creatures may prove less effective against the swarm. Fire, cold, or other sources of extreme temperature can disrupt the swarm’s cohesion and temporarily scatter the snakes.

Encountering a Swarm of Poisonous Snakes is to face an unsettling and deadly force of nature. Its presence exudes an aura of danger and the overwhelming nature of a multitude of venomous creatures. Engaging with a Swarm of Poisonous Snakes requires caution, as their venomous bites can lead to severe consequences. Area-of-effect attacks and precise strikes are needed to combat the swarm effectively.

Swarms of Poisonous Snakes bring a touch of dangerous serpentine chaos and the eerie allure of venomous creatures to the tapestry of the world. They serve as reminders of the hidden perils lurking in snake-infested landscapes and the delicate balance of predator and prey. Whether encountered as harbingers of venomous terror, obstacles in serpent-filled environments, or as guardians of ancient snake cults, Swarms of Poisonous Snakes add a sense of lethal movement, hissing sounds, and the unsettling presence of a multitude of slithering reptiles to the realms of adventure and exploration.

Special Abilities

Swarm

The swarm can occupy another creature’s space and vice versa, and the swarm can move through any opening large enough for a Tiny snake. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.

Actions

  • Bites: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm’s space. Hit: 7 (2d6) piercing damage, or 3 (1d6) piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer. The target must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Armor Class: 14 (DEX)
Hit Points: 36 (8d8)
Speed: 30 ft. (walk), 30 ft. (swim)
str
8
-1
dex
18
+4
con
11
+0
int
1
-5
wis
10
+0
cha
3
-4
Damage Resistances: bludgeoning | piercing | slashing
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Prone, Restrained, Stunned
Proficiency Bonus: +2

Senses

  • Passive Perception: 10
  • Blindsight: 10'
Environment: Forest, Jungle, Swamp

Credits: SRD 5.1